IBMS Council profile - Angela Jean-Francois

• What first inspired you to pursue a career in biomedical science?

When I was in high school, I had two wonderful science teachers, Mr Simmonds and Mr Bostock who saw my interest in science and went above and beyond to feed my curiosity and knowledge. They were supported by the kindest lab technician, Beryl who used to allow us to go into the preparation room to showcase her collection of scientific glassware. I absolutely loved animals, having a small menagerie at home and somehow managed to gain work experience in our local veterinary surgery and they took me on as Saturday help. I really wanted to become a vet but knowing how highly competitive this was, decided to find something else. Career advice was scant back in those days, and I didn’t receive any proper guidance. There was no internet and no real way of knowing what opportunities were out there, I was the first of my family to want to even go to university so with determination I finished my A-levels and managed to find a careers advisor in the local job centre. This was the first time I had ever heard of Biomedical Science but I knew it would satisfy my love of science and medicine, I applied and was accepted onto an accredited Biomedical Science degree at De Montfort University in Leicester. I have never looked back.
 

• Can you briefly describe your current role and area of expertise?

I am currently the Managing Director of North West London Pathology, a thriving pathology network; having worked previously as the Director of Operations.  I have over 25 years of senior leadership experience in pathology, having progressed from Biomedical Scientist roles in Immunology, Infection and Immunity. As a pathology network managing director, it is my role to provide the overarching strategic and operational leadership for our group of consolidated NHS clinical laboratory services. I am responsible for the delivery of high-quality, efficient services across seven hospital sites and primary care providers whilst maintaining financial stability and regulatory compliance. Our senior leadership team have been responsible for large scale transformational change in establishing the network.
 

• Why did you decide to seek election to IBMS Council?

I have been part of the Institute of Biomedical Science for almost all of my career. I have served on the Immunology Specialist Advisory Panel for over 20 years with additional roles as a specialist external verifier and deputy specialist advisor with a passion for supporting training and education. I was asked by the previous London Region Council member whether I had considered standing for Council as a vacancy was arising. If I am honest, I had never considered this but it aligned with my job role moving away from Infection and Immunity and into a pan-pathology role as Director of Operations. The Immunology SAP was strong, with an extremely experienced team and I felt that as my skill set was changing and based on my experience, that I may now be more suited to a Council role.
 

• What do you see as the most important role of Council in supporting the profession?

As a practising Biomedical Scientist in a Clinical Diagnostic service, I see my role as being an advocate for the profession and together with the Council members, providing strategic leadership and overseeing governance in the interest of our members. I am also the chair of the Education and Professional Standards Committee. I am extremely passionate about the educational offering from the Institute and ensuring that this is aligned with the needs of a Biomedical Scientist career progression, as well as the needs of our employers.
 

• What achievements or contributions from your time on Council are you most proud of?

I have been on council now since 2021 which has meant that I have worked alongside four different presidents, all with their own style and vision. This has given me a huge opportunity to learn from colleagues and to contribute towards both development and delivery of the IBMS strategy. Since being on Council, I really can see a change in how the Institute is supporting our members. This includes:

• Recognition for advanced practice in Biomedical Science with Consultant Biomedical Scientists in practice across the UK
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) as a core strategic pillar of the published strategy and the launch of the dedicated EDI working group in 2022
• Advocating for the profession through a political lobbying strategy with focus on the Long Term Biomedical Workforce Plan, commissioning an evidence based review of pathology networks, contribution to national diagnostic strategy and working in partnership with other professional bodies and industry leaders to provide a unified voice for diagnostics.
• Enhancing outreach and visibility of Biomedical Science as a profession with the introduction of the Learning laboratory, attendance at national Pride events, management of the Harvey’s Lab Tours and hosting the IBMS Congress, the UK’s premier event for Biomedical Science.

• How does being a Council member enrich your professional life?

Being part of the Institute of Biomedical Science and volunteering for roles on Specialist Advisory Panels and now Council has offered me so many opportunities that have enhanced my career development. It gave me a window into Biomedical Science across the whole of the UK. I have learnt from so much from so many colleagues over the years and have been given opportunities to shape the profession. I worked to develop the first specialist diplomas in Immunology, practised as an assessor and an examiner, wrote textbooks, gave lectures and produced posters. I have supported training and education of Biomedical Scientists for many years, something that I am extremely passionate about whether scientifically or now as a course leader for the Certificate of Expert Practice in Management and Leadership. Being on council means that I have a seat at the table and can bring the views of our members to that table. As a leader in Pathology networks, I can ensure that the institute is supporting both our members but also the future needs of the profession. The Institute has opened so many doors to so many colleagues, many of who are now close friends; I can also thank the Institute for finding me a god-father for my twin boys!
 

• What message would you give to members who may consider standing for Council in future?

Do it. Everyone who joins council has a different story, a different journey and different experience. As a result, the team dynamics are rich. We all have our place on Council and all bring our unique viewpoint. Seek advice and support from those on Council now, or those who have been part of Council. I can guarantee you that we all felt a huge sense of imposter syndrome when we first joined Council – I certainly did and despite my experience outside of the IBMS, it personally took me a number of meetings before I understood how things worked and to gain confidence in my own voice and my own contribution. It is extremely professionally rewarding and will be something you will be truly glad you did.

Related: IBMS Council elections 2026

IBMS Council is elected by members and plays a central role in setting direction, championing the profession and ensuring strong governance. If you are an IBMS corporate member living or working in the UK (including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man), you can stand for election.

• Nominations open: early January 2026

• Nominations close: 12 March 2026

• Voting opens: 20 April 2026

• Voting closes: 28 May 2026

Council members are also Charity Trustees and Company Directors, so the role includes legal responsibilities and a significant time commitment.